Is Phoenix or Wakefield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wakefield is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 89/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 584 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 81% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wakefield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 58.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wakefield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Wakefield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Wakefield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 584.0 | +2,541.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 174.9 | +625.2 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 56.0 | +8.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 7.0 | +174.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 111.9 | +433.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 409.2 | +1,916.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 45.5 | +271.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 293.8 | +1,288.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 69.9 | +356.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Wakefield safer?
Wakefield is safer with a total crime rate of 584 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Wakefield has 174.9. Wakefield has lower violent crime.
About Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Wakefield, MA
Wakefield, Massachusetts, a Middlesex County town established in 1644, is home to Lake Quannapowitt. This suburban community, with a population around 27,000, offers a mix of residential areas and local businesses. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 28,594, Wakefield has a total crime rate of 584.0 per 100,000 residents.